There has been an increase in awareness of the adverse effects of mental health disorders. At the same time, the Opioid Epidemic has brought to light the consequences of substance use disorders as communities throughout America struggle with increased rates of opioid addiction. However, there is a lack of awareness about cases where an individual battles addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously. This complex combination of two challenging conditions makes this diagnosis extremely difficult to treat, especially without professional help.
At Evoke Waltham, we are experienced in treating this type of dual diagnosis. Our staff members have years of experience with addiction and mental health treatment in Massachusetts. We offer a dual diagnosis program to support our patients’ path to better health and sustainable recovery. Connect with our admissions team at 866.276.1920 to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment program.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis?
A dual diagnosis is a term used to describe when an individual experiences both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time. There may be a one-to-one correlation between the disorders or multiple of each occurring at once. As expected, the more disorders involved, the more difficult these cases are to treat. A dual diagnosis is also known as a co-occurring disorder. Diagnosing can be challenging because it involves multiple conditions that may not necessarily be related. For example, an individual may have depression and alcoholism, but the two are not necessarily linked in any way other than their occurrence in the same individual.
When someone has a dual diagnosis, it usually requires specialized treatment from both mental health and addiction professionals. Treatment for each condition must be integrated for the individual to get the best possible outcome. Treating only one of the conditions without addressing the other can lead to worsening symptoms, so it is essential to provide comprehensive care for both issues simultaneously.
When Should You Start Evoke Waltham's Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Waltham, MA?
Generally speaking, a person should enter a dual diagnosis program as soon as possible after they receive a proper diagnosis. It is usually long before the diagnosis that their symptoms begin to have an increasingly negative impact on their life or the lives of those around them. Recognizing when these issues co-occur is important to ensure they are treated simultaneously rather than separately. Some of the more visible symptoms of a dual diagnosis can include the following:
- Mood changes – Individuals may experience mood changes such as depression, irritability, restlessness, and anxiety. These changes can have an impact on overall functioning and daily activities.
- Intense emotions – Both substance use and mental health disorders can cause intense emotions ranging from extreme happiness to extreme sadness within a short time. This can lead to impulsive behaviors or rash decisions that could be harmful in the long term.
- Cognitive issues – Individuals struggling with two disorders often experience cognitive issues such as difficulty concentrating, poor memory recall, confusion regarding day-to-day tasks, and difficulty following through on chores or plans.
These and other minor symptoms often worsen the longer an individual goes without treatment, so it’s crucial to enter a treatment program as soon as possible.
If you're ready to start your journey to recovery, we're here to help.
Contact Evoke Waltham's Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center Today
If you or someone you care about is eager to get started on the path to sobriety and better mental health, the team at Evoke Waltham is ready to help. Our goal is always to provide our patients with evidence-based treatments and therapies that have been proven to be effective in treating substance use. Our comprehensive treatment programs can also address co-occurring mental health conditions.
Some of the many treatments and therapies we offer include co-occurring rehab programs, life skills training, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Day or night, we can help you get the support you need to begin your life in recovery. You don’t have to do this alone. Contact us today at 866.276.1920 to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment program and start healing.
